Updates on Two Lean Radio Shows: “Lean Nation” and “American Innovator”

Many of you may have been following developments related to two radio shows about Lean that have graced the terrestrial airwaves and internet broadcasts over the past year or so.

I have a few brief updates and one appeal to share with you here. One show is re-launching in 2011 and one might be ending…

The Lean Nation, a show started by Karl Wadensten, the President of Rhode Island-based manufacturer VIBCO, has been on hiatus since November 23, 2010. In their last show, they talk about the coming format change where they will re-launch in 2011 as a two-hour weekly show each Tuesday afternoon instead of being a M-F daily hour-long show.

Karl and his co-hosts recently celebrated one full year on the air (listen to that show that includes many guest call-ins, including yours truly). I'm thrilled with that Karl was able to accomplish with his show. I remember when I first heard that there was going to be a radio show about Lean, I wasn't quite sure what to think. My first thought was “is there really an audience for that on radio?” I was a bit skeptical, but I was happy to see Karl succeed. I was honored to appear on the show four times as a guest (click here for appearances).

Paul has been considering ending his show, but if you want to encourage him to continue, there are a few things you can do (and I'm posting this partly on the suggestion of a blog reader, Sam, who emailed me and my friend and fellow blogger Ron Pereira who posted a similar appeal, as did Jon Miller). Sam wrote, in part:

Paul has said that unless he gets another 800 “votes” to stay on the air, which can be a text message, e-mail, or phone call, bringing him to his target of 1000 votes, he's going to quit doing the show and go skiing.

Here are a few things you can do if you want Paul to continue his show (and he's said he will continue the show with a show of support from 1,000 fans):

SMS or call Jon Lussier at +1-360-961-1000

Send an e-mail to paul at FastCap dot com

Facebook: Click the “Like” button with the thumbs up besides The American Innovator at the top of the page

Sorry, but while Paul Akers’ show is well-done and informative, the entire theme of “1,000 votes or I go skiing” smacks too much of Oral Roberts exhorting his followers that if he didn’t raise a certain amount of money he would be “called home.” Grow up–the radio program is in a marketplace and needs a viable business model. It should succeed or not depending on the perceived value to/by the market.